On the 1 January 2020, around 30 people took Refuge in the Triple Gem and Precepts. The ceremony took place in the Pu Jue shrine at FGS Nan Hua Temple situated in Bronkhorstspruit and was conducted by the Abbott of Nan Hua Temple, Venerable Master Hui Fang assisted by several Venerable Masters. Taking refuge in the Triple Gem, that is the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha, represents confirmation of one’s belief in Buddhist principles and dedication to Buddhist practice. It is therefore a formal indication of one’s commitment to live a principled, righteous and moral live. It also means to rely on the Buddha’s guidance to learn more about ourselves, to have confidence in our intrinsic triple gem.

Taking the Five Precepts forms the basis of building faith or confidence, which is very important to take devotees into the higher teachings of the Buddha. In Buddhism, precepts or directives forms one of the three teachings (Tri-Sikkha), which are precepts or directives, concentration and wisdom.

The Precepts are the foundation of the practice of the Buddha Dharma until the attainment of enlightenment, the ultimate goal of Buddhism. Observing and upholding the Five Precepts builds happiness for living beings in both the present and in the future.

The Five Precepts are:1. Abstain from killing2. Abstain from stealing3. Abstain from sexual misconduct4. Abstain from reckless speech5. Abstain from intoxicantsTaking and upholding the five precepts is a life time commitment; it is not for one day and one night.

FGS Nan Hua Temple congratulates these individuals for taking the first step to following the Buddhist path and way of life.